11.22.23

The holidays are here, which means it’s time to bust out all the comfort foods! If you’re looking for new inspo this season, I have the hookup for you!

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The recipes are simple, pack the flavor and don’t have any gross fillers! They are NOT gluten free, dairy free, or vegan. But if real food is important for you, check these out!

 

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1. French Toast Casserole Bake

https://lilluna.com/french-toast-bake/

 

I used to make french toast with baguettes (which were incredible, btw), but I spent more time at the stove than with my family. Now, I use a loaf of my sourdough and prepare it the night before, pull out in the morning and bake. It tastes so yummy and frees me up to be present!

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2. Healthy Apple Crisp 

https://www.ambitiouskitchen.com/healthy-apple-crisp/

 

This recipe is honestly drool-worthy! It makes an 8x8 and will disappear faster than you can blink! I love that the apples are sweetened with maple syrup instead of sugar.

 

Edit: I omitted the nuts, thinly slice the apples and tossed them with some corn starch before adding the other ingredients.

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3. Roasted Butternut Squash Kale Sauté

https://www.simplyrecipes.com/recipes/roasted_butternut_squash_kale_saute/

 

A side dish that packs the flavor and will have everyone asking for more! It’s delicious, healthy and comes together surprisingly quickly.

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4. Sweet Potato Hash with Sausage & Eggs

https://www.thekitchn.com/recipe-sweet-potato-hash-with-sausage-and-eggs-breakfast-recipes-from-the-kitchn-162997

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If you’re looking for a breakfast or brunch idea that’s outside the usual egg casserole, consider this hash! The flavor is top notch! We like putting the hash on top of waffles or slices of fresh sourdough toast.

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5. Shepherd’s Pie

https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/alton-brown/shepherds-pie-recipe2-1942900

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This recipe does not disappoint. I’ve been making it for years, and it always comes out tasting great!

 

Edit: I use grass-fed, grass-finished organic ground beef instead of lamb

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6. Spicy Pesto Pasta Alla Vodka

https://www.halfbakedharvest.com/spicy-pesto-pasta-alla-vodka/

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A grown-up take on pasta with marinara that is seriously delicious!

 

Edit: I omit the red pepper flakes since I’m feeding littes, and serve with grilled chicken or whatever protein I have on hand

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7. One-Pot Cheesy Turkey Tamale Pie

https://www.halfbakedharvest.com/one-pot-cheesy-turkey-tamale-pie/

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Have leftover turkey you need to use, but are sick of it? Hide it in this yummy dish!

 

Edit: I omit the cayenne pepper since I’m feeding littles. I’ve also made it several times with a rotisserie chicken, no gravy and it turned out great.

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8. Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs and Green Beans Skillet

https://www.eatwell101.com/lemon-garlic-butter-thighs-and-green-beans-skillet

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Honestly, the amount of flavor in this dish isn’t fair, ha. My whole family loves it, even the picker eaters!

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9. Game Day Gumbo

https://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/game-day-gumbo/

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Not your normal holiday flavors at all, but if you need to feed a crowd, this recipe is a huge hit! Not too spicy, comes together quickly and has the southern spices that I love.

 

Edit: I double the amount of chicken and sausage. I also use andouille sausage instead of smoked sausage

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10. Crockpot Beef and Broccoli

https://carlsbadcravings.com/crockpot-beef-and-broccoli/

 

All the flavor of Chinese takeout, without any of the mysterious ingredients! The sauce is a spot-on match, I cannot get over how good it is!

 

Edit: I have followed this recipe as is and thought the sauce didn’t thicken enough. This past time, I had leftover grilled sirloin to use and skipped the crockpot altogether. I cooked the sauce in a skillet on the stove and added the broccoli and sirloin to the pan. The sauce thickened PERFECTLY!